In Pride and Prejudice, Jane Austen guides the reader through the lives of multiple characters who are all part of upper-class Victorian life (a major component of the late 18th and early 19th century). Austen uses a writing style known as free indirect discourse throughout the novel, which allows her to move from one character to the next, allowing the reader to know important details that they would not otherwise know. Austen's use of this point of view gives the novel's narrative a class advantage over other British literature of the time. Charlotte Lucas, the best friend of the protagonist Elizabeth Bennet, is one of the characters that Austen uses this point of view to describe. Through the use of free indirect discourse, the narrator of Pride and Prejudice influences the characterization of Charlotte Lucas through the description of Charlotte herself, her actions, and her marriage. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay The narrator of Pride and Prejudice gives the reader inside information about Charlotte Lucas through the description of Charlotte herself. The first mention of Charlotte occurs very early in the novel, and although brief, the phrase is very significant. The narrator says, “They (the Lucases) had several children. The eldest of them, a sensitive and intelligent young woman, about twenty-seven years of age, was an intimate friend of Elizabeth” (Austen 12). The narrator goes on to describe a conversation between Charlotte and Elizabeth regarding the dance that took place the previous day. In this scene, the reader can see that Charlotte is an extremely rational person. His decisions are made based on confidence and logic, not necessarily emotional doubts. He believes that financial security is the most important thing. Another significant moment is much later in the novel, when Charlotte's innermost thoughts are revealed. After the announcement of her marriage to Mr. Collins, the narrator says, “…and at the age of twenty-seven, without ever having been beautiful, she felt all the good fortune of it. The least pleasant circumstance of the affair was the surprise it would arouse in Elizabeth Bennet..." (94). The narrator's description of Charlotte's inner thoughts reveals that she was never exactly beautiful, like Jane, and this kept her from marrying. During the time the novel is set in, marriage was inevitable. Women didn't work and the only way they could support themselves was to marry a man. Carlotta was considered almost an old maid because she was not yet married; she knew it had to happen or she would be forced to hinder her brothers by living with them for the rest of her life. Charlotte's decision to marry Mr. Collins may have left a hole in the friendship between her and Elizabeth, but it was the rational thing to do. The narrator's description of Charlotte provides the reader with information about her characterization. Another thing described by the narrator that influences the characterization of Charlotte Lucas is her actions. Although Charlotte, like every other woman, has emotions, her emotions are rarely seen by the reader. This action, or lack of action, is something for the reader to take into consideration. The most important decision Charlotte makes in the novel is accepting Mr. Collins's proposal and this, as previously stated, is simply the most logical way to progress in her life. Before the marriage was announced, there was no indication that Charlotte had any affection for Mr. Collins. The two hadn't known each other long when it was given.806522492881843)